PROSPECT SOCCER CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT and ETHICS

Purpose:
This Code of Conduct and Ethics has been adopted by the Prospect Soccer Club (PSC) to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of soccer within the PSC community, South Central District (SCD) and Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA).

Policy:
PSC’s primary concerns are the welfare, positive character development, enjoyment, and safety of our players, and fostering an environment of the highest caliber sportsmanship. Volunteering is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who perform capably during PSC, SCD and CJSA sanctioned activities. It carries with it an obligation for each individual volunteer to represent the program and their community in the most sportsmanlike manner by upholding and promoting the stated goals and objectives as outlined herein.

Applicability:
All player, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, parent, guardian, and/or relatives of a PSC soccer player, promise to uphold the following:
1. Cheer in a positive manner for all players, regardless of which team they represent
2. not criticize the performance of a player or their teammates
3. not criticize the opponents of our team
4. allow the coaches to do the coaching
5. not embarrass those present by my behavior
6. respect others and their property and not make comments based on race, religion, gender or ability
7. respect the game and the league officials and communicate with them in an appropriate manner
8. lead by example by demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all involved
9. obey the laws of the game and play within the spirit of the laws.

All board members, head coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, and other volunteers will be held to the Code of Ethics.

Article I - COACHES TEN COMMANDMENTS
As a volunteer with the PSC, I will…
1. Ask, “What can I do for the player”, not “What can the player do for me?”
2. Put developing character ahead of developing soccer skills.
3. Demand the right intent over the right result.
4. Empower players to think and act positively on their own.
5. Demand the very best from each player at all training and competitions.
6. Prepare for training sessions and games to the greatest extent of my ability.
7. Continually look to improve as a coach.
8. Treat players and opponents with respect and demand the same back from them.
9. Hold my players accountable for whatever they have control over.
10. Lead by example as a role model and as an ambassador of the game.

Article II – Responsibilities to Players
1. Never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
2. Instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.
3. Do not seek an unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
4. Discourage inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
5. Recognize that academic goals and progress take precedence.
• No PSC recreation team shall require practice more than 1 hour/week
• No PSC travel team shall require practice more than 3 hours/week.
• Attendance at supplemental skills training offered by PSC shall be optional for players unless participation is in lieu of regular team practice.
6. Never encourage players to violate PSC, SCD, or CJSA eligibility or players’ rules or policies.
7. Strive to allow each player to experience each position – this is particularly important for younger players as position rotation will allow them to learn all aspects of the game and ultimately develop them into more well-rounded players.

Article III – Responsibility to Club/League
1. Adherence to all PSC, SCD, and CJSA rules and policies. It is the responsibility of each coach to know and understand these rules.
2. Any problems that cannot be resolved between volunteers should be referred to the appropriate PSC Board Member.

Article IV – Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game
1. Coaches shall be thoroughly acquainted with, adhere to, and demonstrate a working knowledge of, the Laws of the Game.
2. Assure players understand the intent as well as the application of the Laws.
3. Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with intent of causing injury to opposing players.
4. Constantly strive to model and teach good sporting behavior.

Article V – Responsibility to Officials
1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators.
2. Professional respect, before, during and after the game must be mutual. There must be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between officials, coaches, or players.
3. Do not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.
4. Comments regarding an official shall be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official.

Article VI – Responsibility of Public Relations
1. Volunteers represent the program, the community, and the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, or parents must be positive and constructive.
2. Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly when in public, when representing their team, PSC, SCD, and CJSA.

Article VII – Other Responsibilities
1. The behavior of coaches must be such as to bring credit to themselves, the PSC, the SCD, the CJSA, their community and the sport of soccer.
2. While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.
3. The attitude and conduct of the coach toward officials, players, spectators, and coaches must be controlled and sportsmanlike.
4. It is unacceptable for an individual to have any verbal altercation with an official, opposing coach or bench before, during, or after the game.
5. Coaches must use their influence to control spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior toward officials, player(s), and opposing team members.